Photo and Commentary ©2024 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
I really enjoy visiting (and digitally capturing) lighthouses. This one, if you are not familiar, is Cape Neddick Light (situated on Nubble Island), located on the coast (of course) of York, Maine. When you think of lighthouses, up and down the coast of Maine, this one is a popular one. You can see from the image, some of the reasons for its popularity is its classic look – the red-roofed caretaker’s house set next to the lighthouse, with a rolling green lawn to contrast the rocks and blue sky. It’s also known as Nubble Light, and was built in 1879 and is still in use today. The lighthouse only stands 41 feet tall, but with its Fresnel lens (one of eight lighthouses in Maine still using this type of lens) does the job it’s intended for – warning any incoming sea vessels within a 13 nautical mile radius.
One of the reasons I enjoy viewing these lighthouses is they will be surrounded, or nearly so, by water. There is something magical about the waves crashing on shore, the rugged rocks all around and the smell of the sea. The purpose of these structures is another draw for me. They are built to be the beacon in the night, ensuring captains of the shoreline and how to maneuver their crafts to safety.
If the lighthouse is the equivalent of the protector for seagoing vessels, God is our Lighthouse for life.
Psalms 91: 1-4 (NIV)
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty,
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
These four short verses contain words that really stick out to me: shelter, refuge, fortress, save, cover, and shield. Can you think of a better list of words to think of, in a time of trouble? What an awesome promise to dwell on. In the storms of life, having The God to care for us, protect us, give us shelter, cover, and refuge, is such a comforting feeling.
If you live close to a shoreline, there is most likely a lighthouse nearby (some may be farther). If it’s close enough, take the time to visit (here’s a list of those in the US by state). Listen to the sounds of the ocean, take in the sights, and reflect on what the purpose of the light is. Regardless if you can visit a lighthouse or not, we have the ultimate protector – God – and He’s right there next to you.